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ECO BB

The ECO BB measures scattering at 124 degrees, the angle determined as a minimum convergence point for variations in the volume scattering function (VSF) induced by suspended materials and water itself. As a result, the signal measured by this meter is less determined by the type and size of the materials in the water and is more directly correlated to the concentration of the materials.

WET Labs manufactures a line of optical tools for determination of bio-optical and physical parameters within natural waters. These instruments are designed as a modular suite of sensors with special features for specific application support. The Environmental Characterization Optics (ECO) series incorporates a common set of options with a single basic design to make the sensors ideal for a wide variety of deployments. Features include:

Compact size

Integrated self-logging

Configurable output

High precision and stability

Optional Integrated anti-fouling

WET Labs, Inc. produces a single-angle sensor for determination of optical backscattering. Based upon recent work by Drs. Emmanuel Boss and Scott Pegau of Oregon State University*, the ECO BB measures scattering at 124 degrees. This angle was determined as a minimum convergence point for variations in the volume scattering function (VSF) induced by suspended materials and water itself. As a result, the signal measured by this meter is less determined by the type and size of the materials in the water, and is more directly correlated to the concentration of the materials. Conversely, the meter provides unparalleled accuracy, for any single-angle measurement, in determining the optical backscattering coefficient—an important parameter for remote sensing and in-water bio-optical applications.

How do I determine if my ECO firmware is G2 or G4?

What type of batteries are in ECO's?

We recommend the use of Lithium batteries in all of our ECO battery units.

There is a very significant battery life increase in comparison with Alkaline cells.

We use Ultralife Lithium +9V batteries.

Ultralife has 3 different part numbers (used with different sales packaging) for the long-life batteries we use in our ECO's:

U9VL

U9VLX

U9VLBP

Ultralife batteries have Aluminum/Mylar housing provding:

Protection against humidity and heat from entering the battery. Humidity and heat reduce efficiency and shelf-life.

Batteries that are much more leak-resistant.

Ultralife batteries have a 7-10 year shelf-life.

The batteries are customer replaceable with easy access to the battery pack.

The battery pack has 6 batteries: 2 layers of 3 +9V Lithium cells.

What is the memory capability?

Not included on the "RT" units!!

The memory is stored in "Flash" memory, an integrated circuit chip on the electronic board set.

There is no removable card, no upgrade in memory capacity.

The total sample records available for a single channel ECO = 108,000.

Typically, the ECO output is set to 1 sample/sec.

How do I protect my ECO from bio-fouling?

ECO instruments from WET Labs are designed for long term deployment capabilities with low power requirements, a large memory and an available Bio-wiper™. The Bio-wiper™ on the ECO was designed to protect the optical surface and has been very effective under most conditions.

If extra protection is required to prevent marine organisms from attaching to the instrument body near the optical head and interfering with the operation of the Bio-wiper™ we suggest using copper foil tape. The GoMOOS project developed a technique for their ECO sensors and WET Labs recommends this technique:

Apply electrical tape under the area where copper tape will be applied. This protects the meter from the significant adhesive residue of the copper foil tape.

Apply the copper tape to the prepped surfaces. There are different width copper foil tape options, with non-conductive adhesive, available from McMaster-Carr. NOTE: when applying the coper tape, the adhesive should not be touched. This will cause the tape to not stick to the electrical tape on the meter. When submerged in salt water, the copper will adhere more closely to the meter.

As long as the electrical tape is used, this technique does not violate the ECO warranty and WET Labs will service instruments that have had copper tape applied to them.

Important!Do NOT apply copper tape directly to the meter. Its adhesive is extremely difficult to remove. Meters returned to WET Labs wrapped in copper tape without the electrical tape preparation will have additional service charges applied.

What should I use to lubricate bulkhead connectors?

WET Labs recommends keeping the connectors on your meter lubricated using a good quality silicone spray lubricant, such as 3M Silicone Spray or Loctite 8021 spray. These can be purchased at your local hardware store. Avoid silicone grease. It is messy and attracts contaminants.

Do not use WD-40. It will destroy connectors.

What is the back scattering angle of my ECO instrument?

The WET Labs’ ECO sensors have multiple back scattering angles depending upon type of sensor. This document will describe these angles based upon the type of ECO sensor selected by the customer. [PDF]

What is the fluorescent stick that came with my meter used for?

Checking Meter Output with the Fluorescent Stick

ECO meters ship with a stick of fluorescent material with which you can check your meter's output response.

With the meter on and outputting data, hold the stick approximately 1/2-in (1 cm) from the lit detectors. Be careful to NOT touch the sensor face, as it scratches easily.

Pivot the stick to parallel with the meter's optics; the output in the meter's "signal" column should increase to near maximum output as given on the meter's characterization or calibration sheet.